$γγ$ cross-sections and $γγ$ colliders

Abstract

We summarize the predictions of different models for total $γγ$ cross-sections. The experimentaly observed rise of $σ_{γγ}$ with $\sqrt{s_{γγ}}$, faster than that for $σ_{\bar p p}$, $σ_{γp}$ is in agreement with the predictions of the Eikonalized Minijet Models as opposed to those of the Regge-Pomeron models. We then show that a measurement of $σ_{γγ}$ with an accuracy of $\lessapprox 8-9% (6-7%)$ is necessary to distinguish among different Regge-Pomeron type models (among the different parametrisations of the EMM models) and a precision of $\lessapprox$ 20% is required to distinguish among the predictions of the EMMs and of those models which treat like &#39;photon like a proton&#39;, for the energy range $300 < \sqrt{s_{γγ}} < 500$ GeV. We further show that the difference in model predictions for $σ_{γγ}$ of about a factor 2 at $\sqrt{s_{γγ}} = 700 $ GeV reduces to $\sim$ 30% when folded with bremsstrahlung $γ$ spectra to calculate $σ({e^+e^- \to e^+e^-γγ\to e^+e^-X})$. We point out then the special role that $γγ$ colliders can play in shedding light on this